You gave me clearance to go, now firing: Indian tanker's frantic call in Hormuz

An alleged audio clip purportedly capturing a distress call from an Indian-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz has surfaced online, adding a new layer to a sensitive maritime incident involving Iranian gunboats. The roughly 30-second recording, shared by maritime intelligence firm Tanker Trackers, is said to feature a crew member from the tanker Sanmar Herald urgently communicating with Iranian naval forces while requesting permission to turn back after coming under fire, though its authenticity remains unverified by official sources.

According to posts circulating on social media, the clip captures a crew member addressing the “Sepah Navy”, a reference to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, and stating that the vessel had earlier been cleared to proceed.

“Sepah Navy. Sepah Navy. This is motor tanker Sanmar Herald… You gave me clearance to go… You are firing now. Let me turn back,” the individual is heard saying.